3 Of The Best State Parks in Florida Worth Visiting

Florida has 161 state parks. Many of these parks offer gorgeous coastal environments with diverse activities for park goers to enjoy. Different parks offer a variety of activities, but the three parks on this list offer biking, hiking, kayaking, and more all at one scenic location.

We spend a lot of time visiting, exploring, and even spending the night at State Parks throughout Florida, and we are continually surprised and impressed by all nature has to offer. You can’t go wrong visiting any of Florida’s gorgeous parks. Here are three of our favorite State Parks in Florida worth visiting any day of the year.

Oleta River State Park in North Miami

Oleta River State Park is tucked away on the Biscayne Bay, offering a quiet escape from the busy Miami metropolitan life. Oleta River Park has a wide variety of activities, but it is best know for its endless off-road bike trails, some for beginners and others thrilling enough to challenge advanced bicyclists.

Since the park is situated on a river, you can take a canoe or kayak out onto the water for a fun day of exploring. Or you can ditch the boat and take a swim directly off the sandy beach. There is also saltwater fishing for licensed fishers to enjoy. You can fish directly on the pier or along the shoreline of the park.

If you prefer activities on solid ground, you can get lost exploring the beautiful mangrove forest located on the north side of the park. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal on any of the available picnic tables with nearby BBQ grills. No matter what you spend the day doing at this park there is a lot of wildlife to see, so bring some binoculars, or at least a camera!

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale

Beachside shops practically collide with this tropical oasis known as Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. The park gets its name because it was a generous gift of Hugh Taylor Birch, as the park was once a part of his estate. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this park preserves four natural communities that are each distinctly different.

Activities to enjoy at the Birch State park are vast. There is a freshwater lagoon stretching a mile-long that you can travel by paddle or canoe. Fishers can enjoy a seat on the seawall with their lines outstretched into the water.

There are also plenty of hiking trails to discover, either by foot or bike. You may also see skaters gliding around the paved portions of the park. When the heat gets to you escape to the beach where glistening sand and pretty blue waters greet your arrival.

When hunger strikes there are beautiful picnic areas that provide the perfect place for a relaxed meal with loved ones and friends. And for all of you history buffs out there, the Terramar Visitor Center offers fascinating information about the history and culture of the area.

Hours:

Birch State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until sundown

Admission Fee:

$6 per vehicle (2-8 people per vehicle)

$4 single admission with vehicle or motorcycle

$2 for pedestrians, bikers, and per extra visitors

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach

While all of 3 of the parks on this list offer direct water access, the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park offers the most water attractions. Surfing, fishing, swimming, and canoeing are some of the water sports offered at this gorgeous south Florida Park. This location also offers one of the easiest shore dives in the area so that just about anyone can explore the underwater beauty found here. There are two boat ramps on site that offer direct access to the Port Everglades Inlet, granting you the opportunity to easily fish in open waters.

If you are not licensed to fish or don’t feel like diving, there are others ways to further explore the natural marine life in the area. For instance, take a trip by canoe down the waterway. Here the lush mangroves and plethora of wildlife will keep you and your camera thoroughly entertained. People come from all over to enjoy the scenic views, bird watch, have a picnic, or simply lounge on the sandy shoreline.

Hours:

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until sundown.